Fuel system



R. A. NEAL FUEL SYSTEM Nov.- 11, 1952 Filed March 17, 1950 I INVENTOR ROBERT A. NEAL BY W M ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 11, 1952 FUEL SYSTEM Robert A. Neal,- Media, Pa., assignor to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh,

Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application March 17, 1950, Serial No. 150,200

3 Claims.

1 This invention relates to fluid fuel pressure apparatus, and more particularly apparatus for controlling operation of a plurality of fuel pumps. With the advent of aircraft power plants of the type having an extensive ran e of thrust output, such as a ram jet or turbojetengine, it has become increasingly desirable to provide fuel control systems equipped with emergency or stand-by features rendering the plant safely operable even in the event of failure of certain auxiliary elements. This is especially true in the design of a fuel control system for a turbojet engine, the main fuel pump for. which is customarily associated with an additional emergency pump to ensure against complete loss of the fuel supply in case of failure of a main pump. An engine having an afterburner requires relatively large fuel pump equipment. The addition to such a fuel system of an emergency pump may thus involve excessive increase in the weight of the equipment. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel pump system having an output variable over a wide range and employing a minimum number of pumps exhibiting the emergency features heretofore available only with a separate emergency pump apparatus.

Another object of the invention is the provision of fuel supply apparatuscomprising a plurality of fuel pumps having a common drive, and a plurality of pressure responsive by-pass or relief valve devices operative selectively to cut one or more pumps into or out of effective operation in accordance with fuel-demand.

A further object of the invention is the provision of pump control apparatus of the above character having means effecting compensation for failure of any pump byrendering the .remaining pumps operative to take over the fuel pumping load.

These vand other objects are efiected by my invention as will be apparent from the following description and claims taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in which the single figure is a diagrammatic elevational view .of an aviation gas turbine power plant equipped .Withimproved fuel pump and control apparatus constructed in accordance with-the invention.

Referring to thedrawing, the typical aviation gas turbine. or turbojet engine therein disclosed comprises an outer substantiallycylindrical casing structure l0, an interiorly disposed sectional core structure generally indicated at I, forming an annular fiow passage {2 extending from a frontal air inlet opening l3 to a rearwardly disposed turbineexhaustpassage l4, and operating elements aligned therein and including an axial flow compressor l5, combustor apparatus 16, and a turbine I! connected to'thecompressor' by a common shaft l8. An afterburner section 19 is associated with the casing structure IE! providing a ,combustionchamber 20in which fuel may be burned in the gases exhaustedfrom= the turbine IT. The afterburner section l'9' terminates in a jet nozzle 2 l. The general principles of operation of such a power plant are well known, and may be briefly summarized as follows: air entering the inlet opening [3 1s delivered under pressure from the compressor IE to the combustion apparatus It for supporting combustion of fuel supplied thereto as hereinafter explained, and the heated motive gases thus provided are then expanded through the turbine l1 and are conducted to the afterburner section- I9, fromwhich the gases are discharged throughthe nozzl 21. Fuel may be supplied to the afterburner combustion chamber 211 when'it is desired to augment the thrust produced by discharge ofthe motive ases to atmosphere by way of the nozzle 2|;

According to the invention, fuel supply apparatus, indicated generally by the r'eference'char'a'cter 25, is provided for supplying fuel under pressure from a sup-ply reservoir 26 to a fuel delivery pipe 21, from which fuel'may be metered, by operation of a conventional primary control device 28, to the combustio'n'apparatus l6. An afterburner fuel control device 29 is also provided for selective operation at desired intervals to meter fuel from the pipe 2'! to the afterburner chamber 26, to establish greater thrust at the nozzle 2| than that incident to the supply of fuel to the combustion apparatus Hi. It will be understood that the control devices 28' and 29 may be of any desired construction, operativeto efiect metering of fuel to the combustion apparatus at rates which are determined in accordance with the thrust called for in operation of the aircraft propelled by the turbojet'. As hereinafter explained, the fuel supply app-aratus 25 is adapted to render available an adequatesupply'of fuel under pressure to the delivery pipef21 for distribution to the power plant by either or .both of the fuel control devices 28 and, which when set for a low fuel flow will cause theback pressure of fuel in thedeli very pipeZl to rise accordingly, and when set for maximum'fuel flow to the power plant will effect .withdrawalof fuel at a lower pressure from the delivery pipe Z'I'at an appropriately rapidrate of flow. In other Words, the fuel 'pressure'in pipe 21'decreases' in- 3 cident to an increase in the rate of fuel flow through the control devices 28 and 29.

The fuel supply apparatus 25 comprises a plurality of fuel pumps 3|, 32 and 33, preferably of the rotary positive displacement type, which are operatively connected through suitable gearing 34 to the rotor of the power plant, and an equal number of by-pass valve devices 35, 38 and 31, which are respectively associated with the pumps 3|, 32 and 33 for selectively cutting each pump in or out of effective operational relation with respect to the fuel delivery system, as hereinafter explained. For the purpose of clearly disclosing the invention, the fuel supply apparatus is illustrated schematically in the drawing as comprising the various valve assemblies communicating through the medium of conduits r pipes, but it will be understood that if desired, this apparatus may readily be embodied in suitable casing structure, provided with passages rather than separate conduits.

The pumps 3| 32 and 33 are preferably similar in construction and capacity, and are arranged to draw fluid fuel from the supply reservoir 26 by way of a common inlet communication such as a pipe 49. The pump 3| is operative to discharge fuel under pressure by way of a pump discharge passage 42 and through a check valve 43 to the pipe 21 leading to the control devices 28 and 29. The pumps 32 and 33 are likewise disposed for discharging fuel under pressure to the pipe 21, the pump 32 being connected thereto through a discharge passage 44 containing a check valve 45, and the pump 33 communicating with pipe 21 through a discharge passage 43 containing a check valve 41. For emergency release of fuel under excessive pressure from the pipe 21, there is provided a relief valve device 59, which may comprise a valve element subject to the fluid pressure in the pipe 21 and normally held on a seat 52 by a coil spring 53. The relief valve device 53 is operative only in the possible event of inadvertent increase in fuel pressure beyond a normal maximum, to control communication from the pipe 21 to a return passage or pipe 54 connected to the inlet communication 43 of the pumps 3|, 32 and 33.

The by-pass valve device 35 comprises casing structure having a valve chamber 53 which communicates with the return passage 54 and contains a valve element 51 that is urged into engagement with a seat 58 by a calibrated coil spring 59 for controlling communication between pump discharge passage 42 and the valve chamber. The valve element has a stem 68 slidably mounted in a suitably sealed bore and terminating in a needle valve 6 I which is operatively disposed in a valve chamber 62 for controlling communication thereto from a branch passage 42a of the passage 42.

The by-pass valve device 36 comprises casing structure having a valve chamber 65 communicating with the return passage 54 and containing a valve element 66 which is normally held on a seat 61 by a calibrated coil spring 68 in opposition to the pressure of fuel in the passage 44 acting on the pressure area of the valve element. The valve element 63 has a stem carrying a piston 1| of smaller pressure area than that of the valve element, which piston is slidably disposed in a bore 12 between the passage 44 and a chamber 13 formed in the casing structure. The chamber 13 communicates through a passage 14 with the valve chamber 62 and thence through a restricted port with the return passage 54.

4 A needle valve 16 is provided on the lower end of the stem 19 within a valve chamber 11 for controlling communication thereto from a passage 18, which communicates with the pump discharge passage 44 by way of a branch 18a, and with the pump discharge passage 42 through a branch 18?). A check valve 19 is provided for preventing backfiow from passage 18 through the passage 18a to the passage 44. A similar check valve is interposed in the passage 18b for preventing backfiow therethrough to the passage 42.

The third by-pass valve device 31 comprises casing structure having a valve chamber 83 communicating with the return passage 54 and containing a valve element 84, which is engageable with a seat 85 and is subject to opposing pressures of fuel in the pump discharge passage 46 and of a calibrated coil spring 86. A stem 81 of the valve element 84 terminates in a piston 88 which is slidably interposed in a bore 89 between the passage 46 and a piston chamber 90 having communication through a passage 9| with the valve chamber 11 and thence by way of a restricted port 92 with the return passage 54.

The springs 59, 68 and 88 are calibrated to exert differing forces resisting opening of the respective by-pass valve elements 51, 66 and 84. Preferably, the spring 59 is stronger than spring 88, which in turn is stronger than spring 86, in order to effect operation of the by-pass valve devices to cut the associated pumps 3|, 32 and 33 into operation in succession, for effecting gradually increased fuel flow corresponding to a decline in fuel pressure in the pipe 21, incident to an increase in fuel demand scheduled by the fuel control devices 28 and 29.

In describing a mode of operation of the foregoing equipment, it will be assumed that the fuel system is conditioned for operation with all passages and valve chambers charged with fuel, and that engine fuel requirements are initially less than the capacity of any of the continuously operating pumps I, 2 or 3.

In operation, let it be assumed that the fuel control device 28 first meters fuel from the delivery pipe 21 to the usual nozzles of the combustion apparatus l6 at a minimum rate of flow, thereby establishing a relatively high back pressure of fuel in the delivery pipe 21. Upon sufficient build-up in this back pressure in delivery pipe 21 to a value sufficient to force the by-pass valve element 51 off its seat against the force of spring 59, fuel is by-passed through valve chamber 56 to the return passage 54. Until opening of the valve 51 of by-pass valve device 35, by-pass valve devices 36 and 31 remain inoperative due to the counterpressure of springs 68 and 86 and pressure of fuel on the upper sides of pistons 1| and 88, respectively. Upon upward movement of the valve element 51, however, unseating of the pilot needle valve BI is effected, establishing in the chamber 13 and on piston 1| the output pressure of pump 3| to oppose the pressure of fuel in passage 44. The fuel pressure in passage 44 is thus rendered effective to shift upwardly the valve element 66 and needle valve 16, thereby effecting by-pass flow of fuel from discharge passage 44 to return passage 54. The increase in fuel pressure in chamber 90 incident to opening of the needle valve 16 is subsequently effective to permit unseating of the valve element 84 to establish the by-pass flow of fuel from pump 33 to the return pipe 54, thus completing the bypassing of all fuel not metered through the fuel acme-er contro1 device. 28' to the combustion apparatus I16 of. the turbojet engine;

Meanwhile, with the secondv andgthird lay-pass valve devices32' and 33 open,theffueli pressure in pipe" communicatingv with theid'elivlery pipe 2! may become reduced. suifioientlyuto allow'the strong spring 59 to urgethe valve element 51' toward its seat 58. Upon. a subseguentfurther increase in engine fuel demand... a'sjdetennined' the fuel control devices 2 8 and 2'9flfor supply to the engine, the force of spring 68; although less than that of spring 59 acting on valve element- 51,

may finally be rendered effective. together' with the now relatively low pressureof fuel on the piston ll counterbalancing that on valve element 66, to move the latter to its seat'fil. Fuel from pump 32 is thus added to the fuel from pump, 3| for supply through the fuel control devices 28 and 29 to the power plant.

Under normal conditions, the output of pumps 3! and 32 will effectively supply all fuel required for moderate power output of both turbojet and afterburner portions of the power plant, assuming that fuel metering for maximum thrust is not called for by the fuel control devices. At such time, therefore, the third pump 33 will be idling or operating at low back pressure, due to continued by-pass flow of fuel from the pump outlet passage 46 past the by-pass valve element 84, which is maintained unseated, against the force of the relatively light spring 86, by the pressure of fuel flowing from the pump discharge passage 46 over the full area of the valve element. Although the needle valve 16 may be closed or nearly closed at this time, some fluid pressure may be retained in chamber 90 to act upwardly in the piston 88 to oppose fuel pressure in passage 66, due to communication by way of restriction 92 between passage 9| and the return passage 54 receiving the fuel flowing past the open by-pass valve element 84.

In the event that a maximum rate of fuel supply is demanded, in order to render available maximum thrust for executing an aircraft maneuver calling for unusual power, for example, further reduction in fuel pressure in the delivery pipe 21, incident to operation of the fuel control devices 28 and 29 to pass fuel to the engine at the increased rate, will permit the spring 86 to close the by-pass valve element 84, whereupon fuel delivered by pump 33 will flow past the check valve 41 to pipe 21 to augment that of the pumps 3| and 32.

In the event of failure of any of the pumps 31, 32 and 33, the other two pumps are always available with suificient capacity to supply fuel at the rate required for operation of the power plant to effect high thrust output under ordinary circumstances, such as in executing a take-off operation of the aircraft. The control system constructed according to the invention thus exhibits desirable safety features without necessitating the provision of a separate emergency pump for the main engine control and the afterburner control',; which would involve additional weight and cost. 'Th 1. 1s", ifv pump 31' should fail, the by-- pass valve device 35'. would..remain closed and pumps 32 ,and133. .would; take over thefull burden ofsdpplying fuelflaccording to the demand as determined by the fuel control devices 281 andt29', If pumpv 32-should' fail, pumps3li and 33' would be rendered cooperative to the same end. In the latter case, with pump 3'2finoperative, if .by-pass valve devices 36},and 31 are seatedwhen supplyof fuel is. effected at a low rate, initial opening of the .valve. elementST and needle valve 6] in re,- sponse, to build-up in fuel pressure in pipe 21 and inpassage 42 wouldeifectincrease. in fluid-pres: sure in chamber, 13 acting .on piston ,l'l causing unseatingv of needle valve. 16,. in. the; absencefof. pressure in. pump discharge passage. 44;, The consequent increase in fluid pressure acting upwardly on piston 88., will thenfacili't'ate initial unseating of. the by-pass valve [element 84. Thereafter, operation of the two pumps-3-l'ancl 33-would continue in the, manner already described.

From, the foregoing, it will be seen thatby utilizing the by-pass valve apparatus embodying the invention described, three fuel pumps of moderate capacity are rendered cooperative to. satisfy safety requirements. otherwise necese sitating the use of an additional. large. emergency pump. The valving arrangement, also renders feasible idling operation, at a low pressure favoring long service life, of each fuel pump during a period of operation at a low fuel rate, while always remaining responsive to an increased demand for fuel to effect full delivery of fuel at the maximum output rates afforded by all of the pumps.

While I have shown the invention in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

What I claim is:

1. In a fluid fuel system, a fuel supply, a plurality of fuel pumps connected to said supply, a fuel system delivery communication for receiving fuel under pressure individually discharged by said pumps, fuel control means operable for regulating flow of fuel under pressure from said delivery communication, a plurality of fuel pressure responsive relief valve devices interposed between the respective pumps and said delivery communication, biasing means tending to close each of said relief valve devices, fluid pressure means cooperative with said biasing means for rendering said relief valve devices selectively operative to effect by-passing of fuel discharged from each pump to the fuel supply, and fluid interlocked control means cooperative with said fluid pressure means for each of said relief valve devices for controlling successive operation thereof in accordance with variations in back pressure of fuel in said fuel system delivery communication established during regulation of said fuel control means.

2. In a fluid fuel system, a fuel supply, a plurality of fuel pumps connected to said supply, a fuel system delivery communication for receiving fuel under pressure individually discharged by said pumps, fuel control means operable for regulating flow of fuel under pressure through said delivery communication, a plurality of fuel pressure responsive relief valve devices associated with the respective pumps and selectively operative to effect by-passing of fueldischarged thereby to the fuel supply, a plurality of biasing means cooperative with the respective relief valve devices for normally urging said devices toward closed position preventing by-passing of fuel, a plurality of pilot valves operative by said relief valve devices, respectively, and fluid pressure operating means for each of said relief valve devices, each fluid pressure means being responsive to operation of the pilot valve of a separate one of said relief valve devices, said biasing means being individually responsive to different predetermined pump output pressures corresponding to fuel system pressure established in said fuel delivery communication due to regulation of said fuel control means, for effecting opening of said valve devices in succession in accordance with increase in such fuel system pressure corresponding to reduction in fuel demand.

3. A fluid fuel pressure system comprising a plurality of similar fuel pumps having a common drive connection, fuel control apparatus for regulating flow of fuel under pressure, said fuel control apparatus having a fuel inlet communicating with the fuel discharge outlet of each of said pumps, a fuel by-pass communication, a plurality of fuel pressure responsive relief valve devices respectively interposed between the discharge outlet of each of said pumps and said bypass communication, and biasing means subjecting each of said relief valve devices to a different biasing force urging said device toward its by-pass closed position, one of said relief valve devices being subject to a greater biasing force and including a pilot valve for controlling communication from the corresponding pump discharge outlet to a control chamber, and another of said relief valve devices being subject to relatively less biasing force and having a piston element subject to pressure of fuel in said control chamber, said pilot valve being operative upon opening of said one relief valve device to establish communication from said corresponding pump outlet to said control chamber for effecting response of the said other relief valve device to operation of the first-named relief valve device.

ROBERT A. NEAL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,411,312 Yonkers Nov. 19, 1946 2,440,371 Holley, Jr. Apr. 27, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 576,509 Great Britain Apr. 8, 1946 

